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Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier was recognized by the UK Kennel Club
in 1990, followed by Australia and FCI countries, then American
Kennel Club in 2001, as Parson Jack Russell Terrier and then in
the USA as the Parson Russell Terrier. Because the name "Jack
Russell Terrier" was trade-marked in the USA by a group of
people who did not wish to become a part of an all-breed kennel
club, the Kennel Clubs of the world had to "re-badge" their terrier.
The name was changed to "Parson Russell" Terrier for the
American Kennel Club because of a compromise with the Jack
Russell Terrier Club of America. The rest of the world now
recognizes the Jack Russell and the Parson Russell as 2 separate
breeds.

The Parson Russell Terrier is descended from early primarily
white-bodied foxing terriers used in the hunt field. At the end of the
19th Century, these dogs were drawn into the Kennel Club as "fox
terriers," but their still-working antecedents were referred to as
"Jack Russell" terriers throughout the 20th Century in honor of the
Rev. John "Jack" Russell, a noted fox hunter of the 19th Century
"The Sporting Parson" who is credited with creating the breed.
Parson Russell Terrier
Country of origin
United States of America

Weight
13-18 lb

Height
12-14 in

Coat
Double coat, smooth or wirehaired

Color
Predominantly white with black or tan
or combination of these

Life span
14-15 years
Breed Standard
The ideal height of a mature dog is 14” at the highest point of the
shoulder blade, and bitches 13”. The weight of a terrier in hard
working condition is usually between 13-17 lb. The terrier should
appear balanced and proportionate with the height at withers is
slightly greater than the distance from the withers to tail. These
terries have medium bone, which is not so heavy as to appear
coarse or so light as to appear racy. The head is to be
proportionate with the body with small V-shaped drop ears and a
full pigmented black nose. The bite should be a scissor bite with
the top set of teeth very slightly overlapping the bottom. The coat
can be smooth or broken, consisting of a double coat which is
naturally harsh, close and dense, straight with no suggestion of
kink. There is a clear outline with only a hint of eyebrows and
beard if natural to the coat. This terrier is intended to be shown in
his natural appearance and not excessively groomed. Their color
is predominantly white with black or tan markings, or a combination
of these. Colors are clear but grizzle is acceptable and should not
be confused with brindle (which would disqualify the terrier).

Temperament
The Parson is a bold and energetic happy go lucky terrier. They
often do well with people who possess those same attributes as
well as patience and a sense of humor. Parsons can do very well
with children, but many Parsons won't tolerate being handled
roughly, so it is not recommended that they be placed in homes
with very young children. Parsons do not do well in flats or
apartments because of their high exercise requirements. Because
the Parson was bred to hunt, it can be difficult for them to live with
some pets such as small rodents. While, they will get along fine
with cats if raised with them, it's not suggested to leave them alone
together unsupervised. They are very intelligent and eager to
please. Many excel in activities such as obedience, agility,
conformation and earthdog.

Grooming
The grooming requirements for the Parson Russell Terrier can
vary depending on whether he has a broken coat or a smooth
coat. For the broken coat brushing is required once weekly, and
his coat may need to be hand stripped every few months. The
smooth coated variety is lower in maintenance, and his coat simply
needs to be "brushed" occasionally with a groomers stone to keep
it looking good. These dogs are medium shedders, and do shed all
year round, with the smooth coats shedding the most.

Origin
This terrier finds its origins in 19th century England by a clergyman
named Jack Russell. This feisty little terrier was used to hunt small
game, particularly fox, by digging to the quarry and either holding it
or bolting it from its den.
Dog Breed Test samples analyzed in about two weeks
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